Although OnePlus doesn't make gaming phones, it has made some of our favorite gaming phones in recent years.
The OnePlus 9 Pro, OnePlus 9 and the OnePlus 9 were two of the most powerful and intuitive flagship phones in 2021. Meanwhile, the OnePlus Nord 2 offered excellent gaming performance for a mid-range price.
OnePlus chose to concentrate on this phone for its special game-themed edition, the OnePlus Nord 2 X Pac-Man Edition. This is how it looks.
-maze-ing design? The OnePlus Nord 2 wasn't the most elegant phone on the market, but it did have a very generic design. The OnePlus Nord 2 is pleasant to hold with a nicely rounded back, a good weight, and a great balance.
This edition adds a splash of colour to the phone. It's only a splash. It's now a deep blue with the OnePlus Alert Slider, and the yellow dot-muncher appears on the back, just below its camera module.
The rear is slightly pearlescent in a minty-sagey-green tone. However, when the lights are turned off an isometric Pac-Man maze glows in brilliant green (more Pac-Man 256 that OG Pac-Man).
This subtle design detail is actually a good idea, considering that gaming phones almost always have garish horror programs.
The OnePlus signature attention to detail is evident in the larger package. There's a plastic case with a theme and a trail of gamified eggs for those who are more dedicated. A Lego-like phone holder is also included, but it's not very effective at holding a phone.
The OxygenOS software, which runs on all OnePlus smartphones, has been given a Pac-Man makeover with new wallpapers, 8-bit notifications sounds and custom menus. It's all quite charming.
Jam-PACd specifications
This is not a new phone, as we've already said. The OnePlus Nord 2 X Pac-Man Edition, a top-spec OnePlus Nord 2 5G with a jazzy Pac-Man theme, is literally a top-spec OnePlus Nord 2 5G.OnePlus Nord 2 5G is a mid-range phone that was already a top choice. The MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI chip, which is especially fast in GPU terms, is impressive.
The OnePlus Nord 2 X Pac-Man Edition has 12GB RAM and is capable of running CoD Mobile at max settings.
This display is only 90Hz, not the 120Hz display on mid-range models like the Realme GT Neo 2 and the Poco F3. It's still a great display with vivid AMOLED colours and high contrast and a good FHD+ resolution.
The stereo speakers are paired with the unit, which is great for gaming. However, you do not get a 3.5mm headset jack.
Grab the loose pills
Although I haven’t had the chance to test the OnePlus Nord 2 X Pac-Man Edition’s camera, I have used it extensively and found its main 50MP snapper very capable indeed for the price.My experience with the original Nord 2's 4500mAh battery was not the best, but it can get you through a full day of heavy usage.
The Nord 2 wasn't an absolute bargain, but this special edition isn’t as expensive. The only model available costs PS499, which is PS30 less than the top model of the Nord 2. You can also buy the Poco F3 with similar gaming power and a smoother 120Hz display for less than PS300.
This is still a very polished smartphone that can be used for all purposes. It also comes with many delightful bonuses for gamers who love a good gaming icon.
